Jury Rejects Heir’s Claim Of Kidnapping (Press, 13 December 1976)
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Summary: Jury Rejects Heir’s Claim Of Kidnapping (Press, 13 December 1976)
On 13 December 1976, Patrick Lynch and Dominic Byrne were acquitted of kidnapping Samuel Bronfman, heir to the Seagram liquor fortune, while Lynch was convicted of grand larceny. The case revolved around the allegations that Bronfman had staged his own kidnapping in August 1975 for personal reasons, possibly to cover up a homosexual relationship with Lynch, a 38-year-old fireman. During a press conference, Bronfman expressed his shock at the verdict, stating, "It’s a pretty sad system when a guy gets kidnapped, the kidnappers are caught red-handed and they get off." Following the verdict, two jurors shared their belief that Bronfman had masterminded his abduction, but they refrained from confirming whether they accepted Lynch’s claim of a prior relationship with Bronfman. The defence contended that Lynch was coerced into participating in the extortion plot due to the threat of being outed as a homosexual within the Fire Department. Lynch's lawyer indicated plans to appeal the grand larceny conviction, while Byrne’s lawyer remained undecided pending sentencing. The jurors noted several factors influencing their decision. They found it compelling that Bronfman's voice on the tapes he sent to his father during his supposed captivity did not indicate he was under duress. Additionally, the materials used to bind Bronfman—a piece of venetian-blind cord and drapery rope—were deemed insufficiently sturdy, having come apart in the jury room. The bottom part of the blindfold was described as a “flap” that could easily be lifted. Although a .38 caliber revolver was found with the ransom money, a juror remarked on the unusual appearance of the weapon, stating that it initially seemed more like a .45. The jury's deliberations reflected doubts about the authenticity of Bronfman’s reported experience during the kidnapping. The case raised questions about both the legal proceedings and the details surrounding the alleged crime, ultimately leading to a verdict that left all parties reflecting on the complexities of the situation.
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